3 Signs You Need To Replace Your Water Heater

Hot water tanks are easily the most important appliance in Vancouver homes today. Just think of how many things depend on it, from showering, to washing dishes, laundry and more. When the hot water tank quits, it’s a serious disruption. Don’t wait for an emergency to strike, keep reading to learn three tell-tale signs that your hot water heater needs to be replaced.

 

1. It’s Getting Old

Most hot water tanks will last between 10 and 15 years, depending on usage. If you’ve had your tank for much longer than that, it may be time to find a heating contractor in Vancouver to come and switch it out for you. Just like any other appliance, after extended use, your hot water tank may start to show signs of declining performance and will be less energy efficiency than newer models. 

 

2. It’s Starting to Leak

For most people, the hot water tank is out of sight, out of mind, until it starts to leak. The constant expansion and contraction involved with heating water degrades metal over time, so in older models, leaking is practically inevitable. You may notice signs of rust towards the bottom of the tank, a slow drip or beads of moisture on the tank, or even a visible leak that leaves you with a puddle of water on the floor every time someone takes a shower or runs the dishwasher. Once a hot water tank starts to leak, repair isn’t out of the question, but in most cases, it’ll need to be replaced.

 

3. Low Performance

Another common sign that your hot water heater is about to call it quits is a decline in overall performance. When your hot water tank was brand new it may have been able to keep up with demand from multiple sources. But as the unit ages, so too do the components that allow it to heat water quickly and efficiently. In some cases, changing a part or two will allow you to get a few more years out of it, but more often than not, a loss of performance is a sign that the heater is on its way out.

 

Find a Reliable Heating Contractor

If you need heating or furnace repair Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby or anywhere in between, visit Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating today. Whether you need a heating contractor in North Vancouver or someone to take a look at your furnace elsewhere in the Greater Vancouver Area, Hillcrest Plumbing is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.